MRS. POPOV. I said you were a boor, a monster!
SMIRNOV. [Steps toward her quickly.] Permit me to ask what right you have to insult me?
MRS. POPOV. What of it? Do you think I am afraid of you?
SMIRNOV. And you think that because you are a romantic creature you can insult me without being punished? I challenge you!
LUKA. Merciful Heaven! Water!
SMIRNOV. We'll have a duel.
MRS. POPOV. Do you think because you have big fists and a steer's neck I am afraid of you?
SMIRNOV. I allow no one to insult me, and I make no exception because you are a woman, one of the "weaker sex"!
MRS. POPOV. [Trying to cry him down.] Boor, boor, boor!
SMIRNOV. It is high time to do away with the old superstition that it is only the man who is forced to give satisfaction. If there is equity at all let there be equity in all things. There's a limit!